Weekends key to rail ridership growth

One of many things people said after the Red Line extension opened in mid-December was that they were looking forward to taking it to the zoo and other popular spots. As Tuesday’s story suggests, the ridership is coming, and supporters believe the line is growing to meet and maybe exceed expectations.

A look at weekend use shows that Saturday and Sunday are the days when it is really standing out in terms of growing ridership. Adding total ridership on the rail line and three bus lines that also serve north-south travelers on the north side during the weekday showed there was some gain. Here’s a chart showing total riderhip on the rail line and the route 15, 24 and 78 buses from January 2012 to present.

Now here’s the same time period, looking at Saturday ridership.

The rapid growth, riders and others say, is a good sign the line is catching on with people not only to get to and from work, but to travel around the area.

Ultimately, the line might be judged chiefly by how many people it shifts from cars to transit. In Houston, it’s unlikely to be the dominant mode, but supporters say every little bit helps, and it’s starting to happen.

“I have talked to people who take the rail who would not normally take the bus,” said Rebecca Reyna, executive director of the Greater Northside Management District.